Jesus Villegas set to become new public works director in Calexico

The Imperial City Council made significant strides in community development during their regular meeting on July 16, 2025, with a focus on infrastructure improvements and community engagement.

One of the key highlights was the announcement of Jesus Villegas, a long-time city employee, who is set to become the new Public Works Director for the City of Calexico, pending contract approval. This transition marks a notable change for the city, as Villegas has made substantial contributions, including the Veterans Memorial project at the Imperial County Airport.

In infrastructure updates, the council received positive feedback on the recent improvements to Aden Boulevard, which has been praised for its smooth ride and effective striping. Upcoming projects include a manhole rehabilitation on Barioni, scheduled to start within the next two weeks, and a significant phase of a 21-inch line project that will begin shortly after. This phase will involve nighttime work to minimize traffic disruptions, particularly at the intersection of 86 and Preble.

Additionally, the Sky Ranch Park expansion is underway, with base layers being laid and structures expected to rise soon. The CA Irving parking lot project is also ahead of schedule, which will enhance parking around Fourteenth Street Park without additional costs to the city.

Community events were also on the agenda, with a movie night at the pool scheduled for July 21, and a fun cardboard boat race planned for the same day. These events aim to foster community spirit and engagement among residents.

The meeting concluded with updates from various departments, including a soft launch of an automatic aid agreement for fire services, aimed at improving response times and reducing fire damage. The council expressed enthusiasm for these developments, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Imperial City.

As the city moves forward with these initiatives, residents can look forward to improved infrastructure and vibrant community activities in the coming months.